An evaluation of arborist handsaws

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on handsaw ergonomics, particularly for arborist saws.
• Understanding biomechanical responses to handsaw design and use is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of arborist handsaw design and sawing height on upper extremity biomechanics.
• To provide insights into handsaw design for reducing worker injury risk.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen participants performed sawing tasks at three heights with six different arborist handsaws.
• Measured electromyographic activity of forearm, arm, and shoulder muscles.
• Recorded wrist posture, task completion time, and subjective saw rankings.

Main Results:

• Increased sawing height led to higher biceps activation (19%) and decreased posterior deltoid activity (17%).
• Bent handle designs reduced ulnar deviation by an average of 21%.
• Subjective rankings correlated with task completion times, favoring more productive saws.

Conclusions:

• Sawing height influences muscle activation patterns in the upper extremity.
• Arborist handsaw handle design, specifically the bent handle, can significantly reduce wrist deviation.
• Findings can inform the design of safer, more ergonomic handsaws for industry professionals.